My 2012 Christmas Gifts!

If you don't like this sort of thing, sorry! I personally love seeing what other people got so I don't mind these types of posts. If you don't like it, please overlook it. I have loads of product reviews and swatches coming up in future posts!

I was ridiculously spoiled this year. I am very blessed to have the people in my life that I do! I certainly did not expect the level of "spoiledness" that I hit this year, but I am so very thankful. :) On to what I received!

^ Christmas explosion!
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Christmas decorations at home and around Toronto! :)

I figured I would share a few pictures from decorations around the Toronto area and some from my home. :) Ah, I love Christmas decorations!

^ The Swarovski Christmas tree at Yorkdale Mall. Everything decoration is white and beautiful in their display!
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Niagara Falls, December Faves, and Upcoming Posts!

We just booked an overnight trip to Niagara Falls for this coming Sunday so that we can go see all of their Christmas lights. Can't wait! As I often do when going on a trip, I thought I'd share what I'll be taking in my makeup bag. The bag is from Glitzy Glam and like said below, more pictures and my review will be up in the next while! Everything that I'm taking is what I've been reaching for quite a bit this month, so they double as my favorite products for December. :) This is a 3-in-1 post!



^Urban Decay All Nighter Spray, Embryolisse moisturizer, MUFE 24L eyeliner, NARS Bellissima eyeshadow duo, ELF eyebrow kit, MAC Studio Careblend powder, MUFE Full Cover concealer, Smashbox blush in Flush, Maybelline cream shadow in Barely Beige, BeautyBlender, Maybelline Age Rewind concealer, Revlon lip stain in Sweetheart, and MUFE Aqua Smoky Lash.

^Sonia Kashuk blush brush, ELF powder brush, MAC 224, MAC 217, Sigma E75, and Sigma E60.

Here are some of the posts that I have scheduled for during the holiday break!

- Christmas decorations!
- Must haves for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day
- Winterlicious tag
- Tarte Eye Catchers 6 Piece SmolderEYES Set swatches
- My favorite products of 2012
- My Glitzy Glam order and thoughts

I'll be spending time with my husband during his work break until January 3rd, but the posts above will be posted during that time. See you all in the new year! ♥ ♥ ♥

November 2012 Favorites!

Only one month left in this year and it is my favorite! I love everything about December. I love snow, Christmas lights...the whole festive feeling. I get warm inside just thinking about it. My husband gets two weeks off at Christmas and I just enjoy all of that down time with him and doing absolutely nothing but hanging out at home, if that's what we wish! Are you a big Christmas nut and/or December fan like me? I guess it just never lost its magic with me (and I hope it never does!). ;)

 Here is this month's favorites. I actually shopped my stash and rekindled my love for some of these like the blush and eye palette. Ah, hello my old friends. It's nice to see you again!

Tarte Amazonian Clay blush in Dollface - review is here.
Too Faced Natural Eye palette - review is here.
MAC Syrup lipstick - review is here.
Bath & Body Works Shea Cashmere Hand Cream - Smells like a cupcake, moisturizes like a dream.
MAC Oyster Girl lipglass - A great layering gloss!

What were some of your favorites this month? If you have a favorites post up on your blog, let me know! Hope you all have a great weekend. :)

IMATS Photos!

Here are a few snapshots that I took while walking around on both days of IMATS! I've collaged them so that I can show more and it not be a massive post. I hope you enjoy seeing some of the wonders that IMATS creates and brings. It's truly an awesome experience and I wish for all of you to make it to one of the events one day!

^ The Makeup Art Museum. This is always a bit creepy and cool at the same time! They change up a few of the exhibits each year.

^ A few captures of some booths. The vendor at Naked Cosmetics was so lovely, even remembering me from last year! They also had a great nail polish booth this time, which I don't recall seeing previous years.

^ The shows that I attended! Josh Turi was fantastic and easily the highlight of IMATS for me. I'm a huge Saturday Night Live fan and hearing him talk about the sets and cast was amazing. He did a presentation on how to do a bald cap. Eve Pearl actually worked on the same model in her show. The bottom right was the MUFE show about HD makeup with MUA David Harbid.

Josh Turi deserved a bigger crowd than what was there, but it allowed me to get a second row seat. I was mesmerized! Afterward, he answered a question that I had about the Zach Galifianakis hosted episode where Zach had his beard, didn't have it, and then had it again. I was amazed that they were able to shave it and apply a fake one so quickly!

His answer: Zach didn't want to shave the beard the whole time and then changed his mind last minute during commercial break! He and another MUA had to tackle both sides of the beard together to have it done in time for the skit. And then at the end, Josh had to quickly apply fake facial hair again.

It took two men to get it done in time! Now, that's dedication to the arts!

^ These are a few body art demos going on at different booths. Always fun to watch!

Me and Christine! We finally met at IMATS this year. I got together with her and her boyfriend (who came with her- what a trooper!) to take in the MUFE show and look around a little. I've linked you all to her page before and I'll do it again. She's fabulous, adorable, and oh so sweet! :)


What a great two days I had! And they've already planned next year's event with a date and location change. The countdown begins!

My Holiday Gift Guide for Beauty and Fashion Lovers

Like last year, I thought I'd share a few gift ideas that I think fellow beauty and makeup lovers might like. Some ideas overlap with last year's, which can be found here. I have tried to provide gift items of different price ranges!

1. Holiday Gift Sets - What's not to love about these exclusive sets? They often provide limited edition items and a great discount. If you don't want to give the whole item to one person, this allows you a great way to divide the items between a few individuals.

2. Nail Polish - I think a great way to give someone nail polish is to pair it with either a top coat or nail polish remover. It makes a cute little packaged gift.

3. Perfume - If someone you're buying for is picky, you can always pick up one of those fragrance samplers that lets her try several out and offers a voucher for the full-sized scent of her choice.

4. Hat and Scarf - If you don't know someone's size, look for accessories instead! 

5. Neutral Eyeshadow Palette - There are so many available these days. With a neutral palette, you know that it can suit anyone.

6. Coffee Mug - Great for coffee or tea drinkers! Pick out a cute mug and slip either a gift card to a coffee place or a pack of their favorite hot cocoa, tea, or coffee. 

7. Purse or Tote - A cute bag is something that most girls won't turn down! Try to keep it in the neutral family to appease to taste. I'm not sure everyone would enjoy getting a bright pink bag. 

I hope this gives you a few ideas about gift giving this year. Have fun shopping! :)

P.S.- I've seen a few people complain that they are seeing sponsored Christmas wishlists and gift guides. I would just like to say that mine are not sponsored and that I would tell you if they were. No worries here!

IMATS Toronto 2012 Wishlist

IMATS Toronto is quickly approaching. I'm so excited! I was chosen to be given a media pass this year, so I am hoping to go both days and take in most of the speakers and booths. I know I am definitely there most of Saturday! As usual, each year I provide my wishlist, any extra tips I may have, pictures from the event, and then follow it all up with my haul and reviews. These do not just apply to the Toronto IMATS, as most of the booths are present in the other locations as well!

Last year, I was able to get everything on my wishlist plus a few extra things. I like to keep my wishlist to a reasonable size and then allow for a few impulse buys. In a big room filled with makeup, I know I will see extra things that I just "have to have" so I allow for it. ;) If you're going to go all out on makeup buys, what better venue to do so than with a bunch of other beauty addicts?!


OCC Lip Tars in: Marion, Femme, and Interlace
Crown Brushes: C413 Brow Duo, AC009 Deluxe Camo/Lip, and AC010 Foundation/Camo
EmbryoLisse: 24 Hr. Miracle Cream
MUFE: Full Cover concealer

I love double-ended brushes for traveling! Crown Brushes are among my favorite brands. I have never tried an Embryolisse product, but I have heard nothing but raves for their creams. I swear by my Make Up For Ever Full Cover concealer...there is not a thing it doesn't cover! And OCC Lip Tars always make my list. I do typically migrate toward the pinker shades simply because I know I'll wear them more than the other shades. These are so fantastically pigmented and I cannot wait to see the new packaging in person!

You can find all of my previous IMATS experiences and hauls under the IMATS label. If you are going to this year's event, please leave a comment or email me. I'd love to meet you!

October 2012 Favorites!

Sorry to not be blogging much this past week. With the hurricane and storms hitting New York, the servers at my husband's Toronto office were down as they are largely based in NYC. So he really could not do much at the office! He's been home for the better part of the past two days, so I got carried away with spending the days with him. My heart goes out to those in the path of the storm and those that are mourning the lives that were lost. ♥

Time to share my monthly favorites!

^ MAC Pure Zen lipstick, B&BW's Autumn scent, Maybelline Barely Beige cream shadow, OPI's You Only Live Twice (from Skyfall Collection), and MAC's The Perfect Cheek blush.

Another favorite was celebrating Halloween. Last Saturday, we went to a local tourist attraction called Black Creek Pioneer Village for their Halloween event. I like to do historic forts, ghost walks, and the sorts. I love hearing the ghost stories that are knee-deep in history, because I'm a nerd like that! Last night, we went to see Hotel Transylvania. How adorable and funny! I enjoy being able to fall asleep, so movies like Sinister and such are out of the question. ;) We also always check out this awesome house near downtown. This guy goes all out with moving items, flying witches, a robotic dragon, and more. It changes a little each year and he takes donations for charity. Always an amazing thing to see!

What have you enjoyed this month? How did you celebrate Halloween? I hope you all had a fun holiday!

P.S.- What service do you use to host your photos, if you blog? I've been using ImageShack, but some of my photos get removed for some reason. It's rather annoying!

My 2012 Christmas Wishlist!

I know...it's not even Halloween yet, but I've already put together my Christmas list and I thought I'd share it. This is actually a great time to put together your wishlists, because this is the time that most of the Friends and Family sales happen! Even better when you can get what you want at a discount. :)

What's on your list this year? Hope you all have a great weekend!

P.S.- I've seen a few people complain that they are seeing sponsored Christmas wishlists and gift guides. I would just like to say that mine are not sponsored and that I would tell you if they were. No worries here!

September Favorites!

September was good to me. The weather started getting cooler, Starbuck's pumpkin drinks came back, I got to go home for a bit, and just all-around good things happened. It's nice to finally have a whole month that didn't throw any curveballs. Those don't happen often! Here's a few products that I really enjoyed. :)

Urban Decay Naked palette- This has been in my favorites quite often. I own both the original and the Naked 2, but I just seem to gravitate more towards the original.

MAC StudioCareblend powder- I like it a bit more than the MSF Naturals, but it doesn't last nearly as long. Not the staying power, the actual powder amount! I feel like I hit pan on this after only a short while of owning it.

Revlon Just Bitten Kissable in Cherish- A pretty lavender pink!

Maybelline Dream Lumi in Radiant- This might just replace my Clinique Airbrush Concealer permanently!

Smashbox Blush Rush in Flush- It's a gorgeous pink and the shimmer provides a pretty glow to the cheeks.

August 2012 Favorites

Hello, hello. I'm so very happy that August ends today...one step closer to fall! With the fall scents being out at Bath & Body Works and the pumpkin spice being back out at Starbucks, my heart is impatiently waiting for that first cool crisp breeze. Ah, I can hardly wait. Anyway, here are my favorites from this past month!

My Inglot palette- Review and swatches here.

Dolce and Gabbana's Rose The One- I only have this sample size, but I've fallen in love!

MAC Lazy Day lipstick- This was from there To the Beach collection. It is such a perfect pink lipstick. It's no longer available (crossing my fingers for a repromote), but MAC's Angel is a close dupe. Swatch of Lazy Day is here.

Maybelline Mineral Power concealer- I've been shopping my stash lately and I renewed my love for this product. Rumor has it that this product is being discontinued, but it is still up on the website so hopefully it is around to stay.

MAC Hang Loose blush duo- A favorite since I bought it! I have included this in so many favorites. I've seen this at a few CCOs and I might just have to purchase a backup if I see it again. If you have really fair skin like I do, I think you'll really like this. The pink side is a great blush and the lilac side makes for a lovely highlighter. Swatches are here.

So aside from my Inglot palette and the perfume, I've really been going into the depths of my makeup collection for the majority of this month. It's really nice to rediscover products that have since taken the back shelf to others like the Maybelline concealer!

Yay for a holiday weekend! Happy Labor Day to my Canadian and American readers! Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend. ♥

Fall 2012 Haul: Old Navy

Old Navy has some very cute items right now! I do not hide the fact that I am Old Navy obsessed. Some bloggers prefer to buy their cheap basics or trendy items at F21, but I tend to stick to Old Navy. I think the quality is better and there is almost always a discount code for 15-30% off! I bought these during a 30% off sale they were having here in Canada and I used a gift card from my birthday. Not too shabby!



Top Row:
bandanna print chiffon top
heart print chiffon top
long scoop-neck tank
plaid lounge shorts
Bottom Row:
short sleeved polkadot sweater
Boat-neck sweaters (red heart and tan with black polkadots)
tunic sweater
long sleeve tunic tee

Have you started your fall clothes shopping yet? With it being my favorite season, it's my favorite time to shop! :)

Fall 2012 Trends: My Favorites

I live for fall! It's my favorite season. I love cardigans, scarves, sweaters, and boots. I love being able to walk outside and not sweat by just moving. It's the season I get most excited about the trends and fashion. I'm not addicted to every trend, but some are classic and easy to make work time and time again. And with some trends, it is as simple as color combinations. Anyone can follow those!

^ clutches, black with white or black with navy, lace, graphic sweaters, polkadots, chiffon blouses, bib collar necklaces, and burgundy (especially outerwear).

What's your favorite trend this fall?

July Favorites!

Once again, courtesy of my Instagram account, I bring you my favorites from last month. I suppose you could say I was just too lazy to get out my DSLR today, because that is the honest truth. :P Happy August!

- Urban Decay Naked 2 palette (swatches coming soon!)
- Maybelline Tough as Taupe eyeshadow base
- CoverGirl LashBlast Volume mascara
- MUFE 24L eyeliner
- YSL Rouge Volupte #1 lipstick
- MAC Studio Careblend powder

What were your favorites this month? I'm so happy it's August now, as we're getting closer to my favorite season. Come on, autumn weather! :)

Sephora Beauty Insider Birthday Gift 2012

The freebie this year is a lip balm duo from Fresh. Honestly, I feel like they get better each year with their birthday gifts. This is tied right up their with the Philosophy bath gel gift from last year! Below shows the swatches and a size comparison to a full-sized Fresh Sugar lip balm.



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New Layout + June Favorites!

If you've been a reader of my blog for awhile, you know how quickly I can get bored with my layouts. I reached the point of saturation on my last one, so a new layout was in order! I have a current love affair with mint and wanted to include it in some way. I also wanted something eye-catching but simple at the same time. I hope it loads properly for everyone. :)

Now for my favorites of this past month! They are definitely varied, but these are what I've been hooked on all month long.

Target Mossimo tanks - The perfect length, especially if you're tall! I own 6+ of these in different colors and I want more. At $10, they're a steal!
Oikos Greek yogurt - So good!
Philosophy Pink Frosted Layer Cake bubble bath - The bubbles last for ages.
NARS Orgasm blush - Always a summer staple.
Fifty Shades of Grey triology - Got through the books in three days and wanted more. Sure, the writing left a little to be desired but it was still a (verrrry) steamy read. I hope the rumor of E.L. James writing the novels in Christian's point of view comes true.
Essie's As Gold As it Gets topcoat - I've been hooked on layering this over nude or pastel colors. It's gorgeous!

Have a great weekend! And a Happy Canada Day weekend to my Canadian readers!